Phoenix Valley Rank Descriptions
Here you will find in-depth descriptions of ranks for Phoenix Valley, including all responsibilities and perks the ranks may give. They are listed from highest rank (Matriarch/Patriarch, the pack's leader or alpha) to lowest (Sulein, the omega).
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♣ DIVAN TIER: Master Ranks ♣ CORONES: Trainer Ranks ♣ CORONES: In-Training and Basic Ranks ♣ SCIONS: Puppy Ranks |
♣ Activity Requirements ♣ How Promotions/Demotions Work ♣ How do I interact with other ranks? (coming soon) |
ECHELON TIER: Leader Ranks
PATRIARCH (M) / MATRIARCH (F) - Pack Leader (Alpha), 1/pack
The M/Patriarch is Phoenix Valley pack leader and highest ranking member. The Patriarch (or Matriarch, depending on gender) is considered an esteemed and dedicated position that demands the respect of all underlings. Phoenix Valley's history originally had the leader rank split into three positions:
- Matriarch (the "warden," or guardian),
- Shaman (a skilled medic and healer),
- and Sentinel (a prestiged warrior).
When the pack founders each left the pack, two of the three ranks became unnecessary for the sole leader that was promoted in their stead; thus, the three-part leader rank was combined into one (M/Patriarch), though the wolf possessing it is expected to be able juggle the three positions decently.
The M/Patriarch judges, accepts or denies newcomers; dismisses or exiles misbehaving members; settles pack matters and disputes; assumes and oversees all negotiations with other packs (though assisted by the subleaders and Nuncio master rank); and overall takes care of the pack. As expected, the M/Patriarch must be wise, careful and attentive. In general, what they say goes — no exceptions. To disrespect their authority means plausible banishment from the pack.
Current M/Patriarch
♣ Jefferson Soul
Past Leaders
♣ Iskata Sadira (Matriarch; founder)
♣ Deuce Rhiannon (Shaman; founder)
♣ Hel (Sentinel; founder)
SAVANT - Primary Subleader (Beta), 1/pack
The pack's second-in-command, working directly under the M/Patriarch. The Savant serves as leader when the M/Patriarch is unavailable; manages pack events and duties; can accept or deny newcomers; and negotiates with other packs. Generally speaking, the Savant is the M/Patriarch's assistant, filling in when the leader is unavailable and otherwise helping in the upkeep of a busy, thriving pack. Like the M/Patriarch, the Savant deserves a notable amount of respect, and should be referred to as a leader second only to the M/Patriarch. Should something happen to the alpha, the Savant is almost always the immediate successor.
Current Savant
♣ Tala Djose
Past Savants
♣ Geneva Stockholm
♣ DaVinci 'Daite Nasphrite
♣ Jefferson Soul
PUNDIT - Secondary Subleader (Delta), 1-2/pack
The pack's third-in-command and the last leader-ranked member. Can also serve as M/Patriarch or Savant in times of emergency or absence, greets and accepts newcomers, assists with scheduling pack duties and events, and often does more tedious, smaller work the other two leaders are too busy to keep up with. Since is it rare for Phoenix Valley to have more than two leaders at a time, Pundit-ranked wolves are relatively uncommon because they usually move up to Savant quickly.
Current Pundit
♣ —
Past Pundits
♣ Tala Djose
♣ Geneva Stockholm
♣ DaVinci 'Daite Nasphrite
WHILOM - Retired leader (Elder), unlimited #
The Whilom rank is typically occupied by long-time members, often once leaders, who have stepped down from their lofty ranks to retire to a life of peace in the pack. Still loyal to the pack code, the Whilom is usually considered a leader still, apt to replace one of the subleader ranks when necessary. The Whilom is typically an older wolf, wise and loyal, whose knowledge and experience is vital to the pack and much honored and important to pack leaders.
Note: Unless it is occupied, the Whilom rank is not listed on the rank table.
♣ ♣ ♣
DIVAN TIER: Master Ranks
NUNCIO - Ambassador, 1-2/pack
The Nuncio is responsible for keeping tabs on neighboring packs and territories and reporting their statuses back to the leaders. The Nuncio is the pack's eyes and ears, the master of gossip, the go-to guy when it comes to the world outside of Phoenix Valley. The Nuncio is expected to know the ins and outs of a very wide range away from Phoenix Valley. The Nuncio is allowed to speak to other packs in place of the leaders when the need absolutely arises, but will be severely punished if they make direct answers without the leaders' discretion. Corresponds with the leaders directly.
Note the difference between Nuncio and Senex: Nuncio (and the Tueris/Tenens branch) are rangers: They work outside the pack, dealing most with other packs and other packs' members rather than Phoenix Valley and its members. They are expected to know the outside world, resources, etc.
- Equal in rank to Praeas and Senex.
- A direct advisor and leader to the Tutela and all Tueris, but does not readily participate in their training due to the Nuncio's own duties.
- Can greet joiners at borders; however, must summon a leader to accept them.
PRAEAS - Guardian, 1-2/pack
The Praeas is an honorable rank, often given to well-seasoned warriors or those who have otherwise proven themselves physically. Though usually a former Fuehrer or Fuerre (hunters), the Praeas is not responsible for hunting and keeping the pack fed, but to keep the pack safe, hence the subtitle "guardian." In the case of an empty Senex, Nuncio, or Trainer ranks, the Praeas is expected to fill in, making the rank a very important one needing all-around Valley experience and a jack-of-all-trades mindset. In the case of emergency, it is usually the Praeas that are the most skilled of pack warriors; they are usually the go-to members for protection and are typically put in charge if danger is afoot. Corresponds with the leaders directly.
- Equal in rank to Nuncio and Senex.
- A direct advisor and leader to the Fuehrer and Fuerre, but does not readily participate in their training due to the Praeas's own duties.
- Can greet joiners at borders; however, must summon a leader to accept them.
SENEX - Historian, 1-2/pack
The Senex is a long-time member of the pack, usually very well educated in the pack's traditions, history and morals, and is thus responsible for withholding and enforcing the pack code. This rank is also responsible for introducing the pack code to pups and ensuring their development into responsible pack members. The Senex is a great go-to member for anything Valley related, as they are knowledgable in several different aspects of the pack. Often, this rank doubles as a pupsitter because of its tendency for wise, sage-like characters. Corresponds with the leaders directly.
Note the difference between Senex and Nuncio: Senex (and the Locum/Tenens branch) are scouts: They work inside the pack, dealing mostly with other members, their statuses, pack territories, strangers at the borders, and overall ensuring pack security. They do not deal with anything outside Valley borders.
- Equal in rank to Nuncio and Praeas.
- A direct advisor and leader to the Locum and Tenens, but does not readily participate in their training due to the Senex's own duties.
- Highly encouraged to greet joiners at borders; however, must summon a leader to accept them.
♣ ♣ ♣
CORONES TIER: Trainer Ranks
TUTELA - Lead Ranger, 1-3/pack
The Tutela manages the Tueris ranks! They were usually once a Tueris themselves, but moved up due to their knowledge into a role specifically made to train the Tueris below them. Tutelas are chosen for their above-average skills in scouting outside the territory, their knowledge on the landscape and neighboring areas and their experience in dealing with other packs. Tutela also know shortcuts to and from the pack. They are charged with passing on their knowledge to the Tueris. Often, the Tutela advances into the Nuncio rank.
- Equal in rank to Fuehrer and Locum.
- A direct leader and trainer to the Tueris rank.
- Reports back to the Nuncio.
- Can greet joiners at borders; however, must summon a leader to accept them.
FUEHRER - Lead Hunter, 1-3/pack
The Fuehrer is the pack's lead hunter, often a skilled tactician and a strong, audacious character. The Fuehrer has proven himself from fellow Fuerre through their strength, quick wit and charisma. The Fuehrer is charged with arranging hunts, supplying the pack with food, leading the Fuerre in pack hunts, and also knowing the prey in and around the pack area. The Fuehrer is often a well-seasoned warrior as well and often progresses into the Praeas rank.
- Equal in rank to Tutela and Locum.
- A direct leader and trainer to the Fuerre rank.
- Reports back to the Praeas.
- Can greet joiners at borders; however, must summon a leader to accept them.
LOCUM - Lead Scout, 1-3/pack
The Locum is the pack's lead scout. Instead of watching the outside territory like the Nuncio ranger branch, the Locum is responsible for knowing the territory within the pack's borders as well as the members and creatures that live within. The Locum is responsible for knowing den locations, gathering areas and territories. Because of their extensive work inside the packlands, leaders often turn to the Locum for information on pack members, both personality-wise and where they regular. Locum are also more responsible for stalking the borders for newcomers than other ranks, and also finding intruders and removing them appropriately. The Locum teaches the Tenens, their direct underlings, to do the same. Locum often progress into the Senex rank because of their increased pack knowledge.
- Equal in rank to Tutela and Fuehrer.
- A direct leader and trainer to the Tenens rank.
- Reports back to the Senex.
- Highly encouraged to greet joiners at borders; however, must summon a leader to accept them.
♣ ♣ ♣
CORONES TIER: In-Training and Basic Ranks
TUERIS - Ranger, unlimited #
The Tueris is a training rank, assigned to members who have shown potential in scouting and archiving. The Tenens report back to the Tutela, their leader and mentor, and aspire to eventually reach their rank. The Tenens are usually assigned duties pertaining to gaining information on surrounding areas. The rank is often selected for sheltered, awkward or socially uncomfortable members who need to be forced a little out of their comfort zone in order to grow.
- Equal in rank to Fuerre and Tenens.
- Currently being trained by any ranked Tueris members.
- Can greet joiners at borders; however, must summon a leader to accept them.
FUERRE - Hunter, unlimited #
The Fuerre is, as one would expect, a hunter. The rank is selected for members who have shown potential in hunting, leading and fortitude. They report back to the Fuehrer, who teaches them hunting tactics, prey weaknesses and where/when prey can be found. Members who are weak, easily frightened or brutally reckless are often placed here in hopes that through their rough training, they can be tamed into a calm, strong warrior.
- Equal in rank to Tueris and Tenens.
- Currently being trained by any ranked Fuehrer members.
- Can greet joiners at borders; however, must summon a leader to accept them.
TENENS - Scout, unlimited #
The Tenens are the pack's eyes and ears. Tenens are responsible for learning the land, other pack members and Phoenix Valley history. Tenens have probably the most relaxed training out of the three training ranks, but are responsible for more overall knowledge and are expected to be close to experts on Phoenix Valley's land and members by the time their training ends. Tenens are also taught by their mentor, the Locum, about the changing seasons, the landscape, and the pack's territories. Because Tenens often and are encouraged to work very closely with one another and their mentor, they usually develop tight bonds with each other and later progress into the Locum rank.
- Equal in rank to Tueris and Fuerre.
- Currently being trained by any ranked Fuehrer members.
- Can greet joiners at borders; however, must summon a leader to accept them.
GENUS - Rookie, unlimited #
The Genus rank is for wolves who are not completely new in Phoenix Valley, but are still too inexperienced to be placed in a training rank just yet. They are, however, showing potential to become either a Tenens, Fuerre or Tueris depending on their skills and personality, and will be placed there when they are ready. Members in the Genus rank are responsible for getting to know pack territory, its members and its leaders.
- With the exception of the Elu/Sulein ranks, members cannot move back down past Genus once out of the Loas rank.
- Can greet joiners at borders; however, must summon a leader to accept them.
LOAS - New member, unlimited #
The Loas rank is the general placement for brand-new members who have yet to impress or show potential to the leaders. The rank is usually a temporary one; its main responsibility is to meet fellow members, get to know the territory, and learn about neighboring packs. New members will remain in the Loas rank until they have proven themselves worthy to the leaders. Once moved out of the Loas rank, members do not usually re-enter it; for older members, Genus is technically the lowest rank before falling into danger of removal.
- Forbidden from greeting joiners.
ELU - On Probation, unlimited #
If a member falls into the Elu rank, they should consider themselves on probation. Members are not placed at Elu for misbehavior; rather, the rank is more out-of-character based than in-character. Members who are not meeting expectations with their post counts, i.e. are not making enough posts per rank shuffle, are placed in the Elu rank. ICly, the Elu rank is treated as a rank given to members who are not currently "trustworthy" because they have been failing to perform the duties of their rank.
- Members in the Elu rank are encouraged to immediately bring up their post counts or contact the leaders.
- Discouraged against greeting joiners.
SULEIN - Disgrace (omega), unlimited #
The Sulein rank is reserved for members who have fallen from grace, seriously broken pack code, brought harm to other members or have otherwise committed a disgraceful crime that no longer deems them trustworthy. These members are the lowest of the low — there is no rank lower than Sulein. With enough effort and good karma, the member can eventually be allowed back into the ranks, starting only at Genus.
- This rank is entirely an in-character rank: it has nothing to do with post counts and depends only on the activities and behavior of the character.
- Forbidden from greeting joiners.
♣ ♣ ♣
SCIONS TIER: Puppy & Adolescent Ranks
TYRO - Adolescent, unlimited #
The older pup rank, the rank of Tyro is given to pups 4-7 months old. Pups don't have many responsibilities other than to respect their elders and be cute. Most of the adult ranks will make an effort to teach them the ways of the world, however. Upon reaching 7 months of age, those in the Tyro rank will be placed in the Genus rank and move up from there.
- Forbidden from greeting joiners.
TYKE - Whelp, unlimited #
Newborns to pups about 4 months of age are ranked as Tykes, [obviously] the youngest of those in the packs. Generally speaking, Tykes are often NPCs as characters cannot be played until 2 months of age. Pups aren't responsible for much, just being cute and not getting into trouble. Tykes will move up to the Tyro rank when they reach 4 months.
- Forbidden from greeting joiners.
Co-Ranks and Co-Rank Descriptions
How do I get a co-rank?
As copied from the pack policies:
Co-Ranks are the talents and jobs that your character can hold in addition to their rank. Co-ranks are optional, but can only be given to characters above the Genus rank. Characters or players with an interest in a certain co-rank must first alert one of the leaders as to which co-rank they are trying for, then make two separate threads that include their character using talents or examples of the character using the co-rank or showing capabilities for it. After that the RPer may PM the leaders with the threads and the leaders will decide if the co-rank is given to them from there.
Co-Ranks (and more coming soon!)
- Lai: Bard or musician. Musically inclined, often performing for pack events and gatherings or just to entertain others.
- Parere: Pupsitter. The Parere is responsible for the pack's pups and adolescents (i.e. all those in the Scions tier), particularly when the pups' parents are not around.
- Follis: Jester. The Follis is a happy-go-lucky member given this co-rank to acknowledge their efforts in keeping everyone in high spirits!
- Estorie: Historian/archiver. The Estorie essentially keeps a written record of PV history, and is responsible for sharing the stories of the pack, great and small!
- Medic: The pack apothecary and healer. Typically only those with a lot of medical experience can earn this rank.
- Captain: Protector. The Captain is in charge of emergencies, evacuation procedures, and overall basic safety of the pack in times of crisis.
- Praetor: Shepherd. Responsible for the pack's livestock and horses and ensuring their safety and well-being. Very important!